Sesame seeds are among the oldest cultivated oilseeds, prized for their rich oil content, nutty flavor, and versatility in food and industry. For centuries, they have formed part of diets, medicinal practices, and trade across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Today, sesame is no longer just a traditional ingredient—it is a global commodity that continues to shape economies and feed growing demand in health-conscious markets worldwide.
In this story of growth and global demand, Nigeria stands tall as one of the leading producers and exporters. With thousands of smallholder farmers and exporters like Sinocar SARL, Nigerian sesame seeds are finding their way from rural farmlands to shelves, bakeries, and industries across continents.
Globally, sesame seed production exceeds 6 million metric tons annually, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Africa contributes a significant share, with Nigeria consistently ranking among the top producers. FAO Oilseeds Data.
In Nigeria, sesame is cultivated primarily in the northern states—Kano, Benue, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Gombe. These regions produce both white and brown sesame varieties, known for their high oil content (45–55%) and organic farming methods. The crop thrives because it is drought-resistant, well-suited to Nigeria’s climate, and highly profitable for smallholder farmers.
According to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), sesame seed has become one of the country’s top non-oil exports, generating millions of dollars in foreign exchange each year. NEPC Sesame Profile.
With this positioning, Nigeria is not just producing sesame—it is playing a central role in global trade.
The sesame journey is a careful process that combines tradition, community labor, and modern export standards:
This seamless journey reflects how Nigerian sesame is transformed from a smallholder harvest to a globally traded commodity.
The rising demand for sesame seeds is driven by multiple factors:
Reports from the International Trade Centre (ITC) confirm steady growth in sesame imports by countries such as Japan, China, Turkey, and parts of the Middle East. ITC Trade Map.
These global trends highlight why Nigerian sesame is in constant demand and why exporters who maintain quality control are gaining long-term partners.
Despite its strengths, the Nigerian sesame industry faces challenges: – Post-harvest losses: Poor handling and traditional drying methods can sometimes affect quality. – Processing gaps: Limited access to advanced hulling, cleaning, and packaging equipment reduces value addition. – Price volatility: As a globally traded commodity, sesame prices fluctuate, affecting farmers’ and exporters’ margins. – Logistics and infrastructure: Exporters must navigate issues around transport, storage, and shipping.
However, these challenges also present opportunities. By investing in better cleaning and processing facilities, offering farmer training, and strengthening supply chain management, exporters can position themselves ahead of competitors. Value addition—like hulling sesame seeds or producing packaged sesame oil—can open up new international markets and increase profitability.
Nigerian sesame already enjoys a reputation for quality. But exporters who go further in ensuring reliability, purity, and compliance with international standards become the preferred choice for global buyers.
Sinocar SARL is one such trusted name in the market. The company’s edge lies in: – Strict Quality Control: Seeds are cleaned, sorted, and packaged to international specifications. – Compliance: Every batch complies with global food safety and export standards. – Farmer Partnerships: By working directly with farmers, Sinocar SARL secures consistent supply while supporting local communities. – Logistics Expertise: The company ensures smooth, timely deliveries, even in peak seasons.
For global buyers seeking consistency and reliability, Sinocar SARL represents a safe, long-term partner in sesame sourcing.
Nigeria’s sesame sector holds enormous potential. With demand growing across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, opportunities exist for further growth through: – Expanding into value-added products (hulled sesame, sesame paste, packaged oils). – Strengthening supply chains with modern equipment and infrastructure. – Building stronger branding for Nigerian sesame on the global stage.
Exporters like Sinocar SARL are already positioning themselves to lead this next phase, connecting Nigerian farmers to the world with excellence and reliability.
Sesame seed is more than a crop—it is a story of tradition, nutrition, and global trade. From the farms of Nigeria to dining tables and industries worldwide, it represents resilience and opportunity. Nigeria’s leadership in sesame production, combined with exporters committed to quality and integrity, ensures that this story will continue for decades to come.
For international buyers, the choice is clear: Nigerian sesame seeds, delivered with care and consistency by trusted exporters like Sinocar SARL.
